There may not be a club that has experienced more injuries this season than the Browns (11-5). As a result, the team revealed on Wednesday that it is adding some much-needed depth to its offensive line.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Cleveland has signed veteran guard Rodger Saffold to its practice squad, adding depth in front of QB Joe Flacco.
Saffold, a two-time Pro Bowler, provides a wealth of experience to the club, having started 173 games over the course of his 14-year NFL career.
The 35-year-old’s finest days are undoubtedly behind him, but he may still have enough gas in the tank to help the Browns surprise the football world in the playoffs.
Ideally, Cleveland will not have to use Saffold. However, the squad has already seen offensive linemen Jedrick Wills Jr., Jack Conklin, Dawand Jones, and Dawson Deaton hurt and placed on injured reserve earlier this season.
The No. 33 overall pick in 2010 may play in Week 18 now that the Browns have clinched the No. 5 seed and may rest their starters as a result.
“My understanding is they would, in fact, look to rest starters for the playoffs if they have nothing to play for,” Rapoport said after the team’s triumph last week. “Last week, the Browns had 22 players on the injury report. They require a rest.”
Cleveland will not be able to rest all 22 of its starters, but head coach Kevin Stefanski will have to make a difficult decision about who will rest this week.
QB Joe Flacco, WR Amari Cooper, and DE Myles Garrett are among those who, among others, deserve to sit out the Browns’ regular-season finale against the Bengals (8-8) on Sunday.
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